Prosperity/Money – Michael Angier | Practical Success Philosophyhttp://successnet.org/blog
Helping Great People Become Even BetterSun, 05 Jun 2016 14:20:57 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.4Working for Money? Or “True Wealth”?http://successnet.org/blog/working-for-money-or-true-wealth/
http://successnet.org/blog/working-for-money-or-true-wealth/#commentsTue, 29 Jul 2014 14:13:54 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=916Real wealth isn’t about money. It’s actually about discretionary time. This concept is something I’ve believed in for a long while. But I think it was Alan Weiss who articulated it in this particular fashion. Almost all of us have had to work for money. And with that money, we’ve been able to buy things […]

This concept is something I’ve believed in for a long while. But I think it was Alan Weiss who articulated it in this particular fashion.

Almost all of us have had to work for money. And with that money, we’ve been able to buy things as well as pay for services and experiences. So it’s not really the money we want, it’s what that money can do for us. But even that doesn’t go far enough.

Here’s what I mean. The accumulation of a certain amount of money doesn’t really constitute true wealth. True wealth is having the freedom to do as we please with our life. It’s the time we have to live our lives in our own way that makes us rich.

And sure, it takes some money to do that. But rather than focus on accumulating a particular amount of money, I invite you to take a different approach. Because I’ve seen far too many people working very hard to create a portfolio only to die short of achieving it—or shortly thereafter.

Five years ago, we were looking at real estate in Florida. We’d only been in the new home we’d built in Vermont for a little over two years. But with real estate tanking in The Sunshine State and still fairly stable in the northeast, we decided to make the move. The result was a bigger, nicer home on a larger lot with many more amenities—not to mention a more attractive climate.

And that wasn’t all of it. After our move, we identified slightly over $4,000 a month in savings between Vermont and Florida. Everything except auto and homeowner’s insurance was less—with a good bunch of savings in taxes (Florida is one of 5 states with no state income tax). In actuality, the savings were even more than the $4K per month, when you consider that no federal income tax needed to be paid on that savings. In other words, we’d have to generate nearly $6,000 in income in order to have the equivalent of the $4,000 a month. We’re talking real savings here. Heck some people don’t MAKE $6K a month!

So why am I telling you this? Because it’s not about how much money you earn or how much money you have, it’s how much you get to keep. And more than that, it’s about how much freedom or discretionary time you have. That’s true wealth.

And I can assure you that you don’t have to make a million dollars a year to live a rich life.

You might say that you don’t have a business or work that allows you the flexibility to move to a less expensive part of the world. But you can do it. We positioned ourselves to do it. We were just able to do it a little sooner than we’d planned. Partly because we were focused on the freedom rather than the amount of money in an investment account. And mostly because we value our time more than we value money.

I encourage you to view true wealth as discretionary time rather than numbers and zeroes on a balance sheet. In the words of the great Ben Franklin, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”

If you would like to learn how to generate income doing what you love and what you’re good at doing, I invite you to explore our in-depth training program for creating a Lifestyle Business.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/working-for-money-or-true-wealth/feed/3Oh, the Wisdom in the Room . . .http://successnet.org/blog/oh-the-wisdom-in-the-room/
http://successnet.org/blog/oh-the-wisdom-in-the-room/#commentsWed, 29 Jan 2014 13:21:34 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=900My New Inner Circle MasterMind is coming together very nicely indeed. We’ve had an orientation training (now recorded) and our first MasterMind meeting is next week. We’ve set members up with bonuses, a long list of resources and plugged them into the network. And the talent, experience, wisdom and intelligence represented is truly amazing. We […]

]]>My New Inner Circle MasterMind is coming together very nicely indeed.

We’ve had an orientation training (now recorded) and our first MasterMind meeting is next week. We’ve set members up with bonuses, a long list of resources and plugged them into the network.

And the talent, experience, wisdom and intelligence represented is truly amazing.

We have published authors, a networking expert, a small business consultant, a life coach, a Forex trader, an attorney, sales trainer, an engineer, a doctor, financial planner, a martial arts expert, and more.

Imagine having all this expertise available to you in achieving your most important goals and objectives. Knowing you can share your challenges, ask questions, and bounce ideas off from these people as you create your best year yet is truly priceless.

We’ve not closed Inner Circle yet, but we will soon. There’s still a chance for you to participate at a VERY nominal monthly fee.

And if you were not on the Webinar or have not listened to the replay of “How to Stay Focused All Year Like it Was the First of January”, you can still do so—although that too is scheduled to come down in just a few days. Click here to access . . .

I would love the opportunity to help you each week as you design, create and live your best life. The networking, the ideas, the resources, the connections and the PROGRESS will be exceptional.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/oh-the-wisdom-in-the-room/feed/6What’s Your Theme for 2014?http://successnet.org/blog/whats-your-theme-for-2014/
http://successnet.org/blog/whats-your-theme-for-2014/#commentsThu, 02 Jan 2014 20:42:22 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=893I usually have a theme for each year—something catchy and memorable to keep me focused on my most important goals. And this year’s is the same as last year’s: “Lean and Green in 2014”. I’m lighter, earning more and helping others earn more than a year ago, but it’s still my focus. And because I’m […]

]]>I usually have a theme for each year—something catchy and memorable to keep me focused on my most important goals.

And this year’s is the same as last year’s: “Lean and Green in 2014”. I’m lighter, earning more and helping others earn more than a year ago, but it’s still my focus. And because I’m committed to helping even more people generate more income, freedom and confidence, “Lean and Green” still works.

What’s your theme for this year? What would you like it to be?

Having a yearly theme has worked well for me and the many others whom I’ve recommended it to. And it will work for you.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/whats-your-theme-for-2014/feed/2Thanksgiving 365http://successnet.org/blog/thanksgiving-365/
http://successnet.org/blog/thanksgiving-365/#commentsWed, 27 Nov 2013 14:56:44 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=882This week’s holiday is one of my favorites. I love the focus on gratefulness for the things we have. And, of course, the food is pretty good, too. We are super grateful to have you as a subscriber. Without you, we would not be able to carry on the work of informing, inspiring and empowering […]

]]>This week’s holiday is one of my favorites. I love the focus on gratefulness for the things we have. And, of course, the food is pretty good, too.

We are super grateful to have you as a subscriber. Without you, we would not be able to carry on the work of informing, inspiring and empowering people to be their best. Thank you for your support. It means a lot.

After almost 18 years in business, SuccessNet is still about helping great people like you become even better. We’re just as committed as ever to helping you design, create and live your best life. We truly appreciate you.

Now, I recognize that many of our readers don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or at least are not celebrating it this week. But the art of gratefulness can—and I think should—be practiced all year long. I’ve said for many years that if you appreciate what you have, you’ll find yourself having even more to appreciate. And that’s because what we think about and how we feel about what we think about attracts more of the same. What you focus on expands.

This probably isn’t new information to you. But grasping the concept and PRACTICING gratefulness consistently are two different things indeed. Your attitude of gratitude truly is a powerful force. And it must be cultivated and nurtured lest the weeds of discouragement, despair and negativity take over.

If you start your day, live your day and end your day being specifically grateful for all you have in your life, you can’t help but improve your attitude and outlook.

One of my clients recently told me about a new hire who was extremely skilled and talented. This individual was head and shoulder above anyone else in her field. But she lacked a positive attitude and an openness to new ways of doing things. He wasn’t sure he could keep her on.
I’ve always advocated to “hire for attitude and train for skills” because it’s so much easier. A person with a good attitude will learn more and learn faster than someone who needs to learn to have a better attitude. My advice to my client was unless something changes quickly (not likely) to provide her with an opportunity to use her talents elsewhere.

A Formula for Gratefulness
Just before we go to sleep, my wife and I end each day by sharing three things we’re grateful for in our lives. It might be a thing, an experience, a feeling or a relationship. It’s whatever comes to mind.

We’ve done this for years and we’re thinking about adding it to our morning ritual as well. It’s much better to awaken and say, “Another wonderful day” than “Oh yuck, not another Monday.” A friend of mine says, “Every day above ground is a good day.” And yet another says it’s great to wake up looking at the right side of the grass.

All good attitudes. But intentionally calling to mind and saying specific things we’re grateful for having in our lives lays the groundwork for more happiness and having even more of those “things”.

It just may be that gratefulness leads to greatness. At the very least you’ll be happier and healthier. People will like being around you more and your outlook will be brighter.

Try it for 21 days. See the difference it makes. I’m willing to bet that you’ll end up making Thanksgiving a 365-day experience.

And let me know how you’re doing with it.

Dawn and I wish you and yours a truly Happy Thanksgiving.

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]]>http://successnet.org/blog/thanksgiving-365/feed/1“Is Your New Program for Me?”http://successnet.org/blog/is-your-new-program-for-me/
http://successnet.org/blog/is-your-new-program-for-me/#respondThu, 17 Oct 2013 17:55:00 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=867We got a message yesterday from an acquaintance who was wondering about our new Lifestyle Business System. I thought I’d share it with you because you might have similar questions. Her message went like this: “Hi Michael. I’ve been watching your posts about your new course. Is there anything for me in this program, or […]

]]>We got a message yesterday from an acquaintance who was wondering about our new Lifestyle Business System. I thought I’d share it with you because you might have similar questions. Her message went like this:

“Hi Michael. I’ve been watching your posts about your new course. Is there anything for me in this program, or do you actually have to own a business? I’m really trying to figure out a new way of earning a decent income. I’ve developed some health challenges and cannot continue working at what I’m doing. I know I can do better for myself and my family and was just wondering if this would help.

Thanks for your time. Looking forward to hearing from you!”

My response:

“Hi Debbie. Great to hear from you. Thanks for reaching out and asking about The Lifestyle Business System. I’m really sorry to hear of your health issues, and we wish you the best in dealing with them.

I’ll do my best to answer your question about whether or not LBS is for you or not. From that, I trust you can make a considered and informed decision for yourself.

Do I actually have to own a business? The short answer is no, you do not need to have a business to benefit from the course. But you would need to START a business—a simple, part-time, no risk, no bricks and mortar—something you can do from home with your computer and an internet connection.

And you don’t need to already have a business idea—although if you do, that’s fine. The course shows you exactly how to determine the best idea to marry your interests, passion and expertise into something that earns you an income. You can create steady streams of income by taking something in which you have genuine interest: a hobby, career experience or cause—and monetize it.

Depending on the target market and subject matter you choose, it could be something that creates a few hundred dollars or several thousand dollars a month.

The course is designed to help you go from idea to income in just a few weeks. It contains 12 training modules (outlined at Lifestyle Business) with each one showing you the steps you need to take to create a customized, easy-to-start and easy-to-run micro business.

I believe that our golden years should be a time of doing part-time, meaningful and interesting work—creating value for others and earning income in return. And I think you deserve to do something that more fully utilizes your talents, knowledge and abilities than working for someone else.

It will take initiative on your part, for sure. But it’s not complicated, and it sure beats working on someone else’s schedule. It may take a few weeks or even months to start generating real money, but it is a proven system. In fact it’s the very same system we’ve used to build SuccessNet into the global enterprise it is today—just on a smaller scale.

If you haven’t already done so, I suggest you get and study the free report, “No Pension, No Portfolio, No Problem!” at Lifestyle Business. From there, take a look at the course offering (including syllabus and bonuses) on this page . . .

The course also contains two “courses within the course” that are worth almost as much as the entire LBS course itself—AND a lifetime Gold Membership in SuccessNet ($149 value).

After you look at the report and the course offering, you should be able to easily determine if this is a good match for you. And if you have specific questions, I will be more than glad to personally answer them for you.

Thanks again for contacting me. I hope we have a chance to help you create an income for you and your family with The Lifestyle Business System.

PS: It’s also something in which you can involve your children to grandchildren and help them create financial independence for themselves. Because profits ARE better than wages.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/is-your-new-program-for-me/feed/0Working at Wal*Mart, Cleaning Houses. Really?http://successnet.org/blog/working-at-walmart-cleaning-houses-really/
http://successnet.org/blog/working-at-walmart-cleaning-houses-really/#respondThu, 10 Oct 2013 16:10:04 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/?p=862Someone I play tennis with told me recently that the woman who cleans his house is 74 years old. Can you imagine that? And every time I go to the grocery store, I see retirees working there. I give them a lot of credit for their willingness to work. And maybe some of them just […]

]]>Someone I play tennis with told me recently that the woman who cleans his house is 74 years old. Can you imagine that?

And every time I go to the grocery store, I see retirees working there.

I give them a lot of credit for their willingness to work. And maybe some of them just like to keep busy and earn a little extra money. But I’m guessing most of them simply aren’t able to get by very well without supplementing their Social Security checks.

It’s very sad.

According to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, more than half of all workers (56%) say they have less than $25,000 in savings.

And the Deloitte Center for Financial Services found that 58% of U.S. workers don’t have any retirement plan at all.

What’s YOUR plan?

Can you count on a pension? Do you have a couple of million in your IRA? Could YOU live on a social security check?

The vast majority of Baby Boomers simply can’t.

These are some of the reasons we created the Lifestyle Business System.

A lifestyle business is one that operates on your terms with lots of flexibility, low to no overhead, no risk and usually no employees. It works for YOU instead of you working for it. It’s simple and it’s part time. And ideally, it’s in harmony with your core values and leverages your many talents, skills, your knowledge and your expertise.

It sure beats punching a time-clock at Wal*Mart.

Our very complete (12-module) course shows you exactly how to create a micro-business that can generate extra income for you now and a retirement income when you leave your current job.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/working-at-walmart-cleaning-houses-really/feed/0Does it Really Matter?http://successnet.org/blog/does-it-really-matter/
http://successnet.org/blog/does-it-really-matter/#respondWed, 05 Jun 2013 21:17:33 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/index.php/?p=820A big part of success is being able to differentiate what really matters and what doesn’t. Many times a day, we’re faced with the choice of responding, not responding, paying attention to or disregarding events, information and circumstances. The question is, “Does this matter in terms of my values and my goals?” Or, “Is it […]

]]>A big part of success is being able to differentiate what really matters and what doesn’t. Many times a day, we’re faced with the choice of responding, not responding, paying attention to or disregarding events, information and circumstances.

The question is, “Does this matter in terms of my values and my goals?” Or, “Is it worth my time and effort to confront what I’m presented with?”

It’s a skill that really does matter in achieving what you want to achieve. It’s the small decisions that result in a much bigger and long-lasting result.

But sometimes we have to step back and look at the big picture. What are we really up to? Does what we’re doing really matter? Will we look back on what we’re doing now and say, “That was important. It really did matter.”

I like to be engaged with people who care about things that matter who want to make a difference. It’s not about being important, it’s about having what we do be important.

If you have spent your career working for the money instead of doing something significant (to you), you probably don’t feel the fulfillment that you could experience by doing something in which you are fully engaged—mind, body and spirit.

And it’s not too late. Many of our readers are Baby Boomers. They are at, or approaching, retirement age. Some are in good shape financially—others not so much. Regardless of where you find yourself, I encourage you to seek out how you can invest your time and energy in doing meaningful work—work that’s significant and rewarding to you. Because there will come a time when you will either look back with regrets or with the pride of a life well-lived. Only what you think will matter.

It’s time to let go of your excuses. It’s time to stop lying to yourself about why you can’t do what you really want to do. You’re not too old, too stuck in your ways, too fearful or too lazy.

It is your life. It’s nobody else’s. No one who has come before or will come after you will have your unique set of talents, knowledge, experience, viewpoints or feelings. It’s time to play full out (no matter how old you are). It’s time to make things matter. It’s time for significance.

I’d love to hear from you about where you feel stuck, where you feel empowered, what fears you have and what you truly want to do. Send me an eMail or enter your comments below this blog post. I promise to read every one.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/does-it-really-matter/feed/0Can You Retire on $1,230 a Month?http://successnet.org/blog/can-you-retire-on-1230-a-month/
http://successnet.org/blog/can-you-retire-on-1230-a-month/#respondWed, 22 May 2013 17:26:03 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/index.php/?p=813This message is meant primarily for readers 50 years old and older. According to the U. S. Social Security Administration, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker is about $1,230. That’s the average—yours will be more or less than that based upon what you and your employer have contributed since you began […]

]]>This message is meant primarily for readers 50 years old and older.

According to the U. S. Social Security Administration, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker is about $1,230.

That’s the average—yours will be more or less than that based upon what you and your employer have contributed since you began working.

What kind of a lifestyle will you have on your social security check?

Hopefully you have savings, good equity in your home, and a fat 401K to allow you to retire when you want and in the style you would like.

But the vast majority of Americans in the 50-plus range are substantially underfunded when it comes to retirement income. Many have no plan at all.

So this means working at least into their 70’s and/or cutting back substantially on expenses. And that’s not so easy to do.

But I have good news. It doesn’t take a large investment portfolio to retire, it takes an income—a dependable, steady income that will pay you through your golden years.

Because there is such a great need and because there are so many Baby Boomers reaching retirement age over the next few years, we’re creating a complete system in which anyone can design, create and benefit from a “Lifestyle Business”.

I’ve been working on it ever since The Achievement Code came out last year. And I’m excited to be able to help so many people who want to SUBSTANTIALLY improve their retirement years.

It’s all launching in just a few weeks.

But I wanted to tell you about it today, because there is an opportunity for a few individuals to participate at a special price, with personal attention from me, while it is in beta.

This is a chance for you to start (or reinvent) a no- or low-cost, no-risk, lifestyle business of your own with my personal guidance and support.

I’m looking for a handful of serious, committed and hard-working people to create a whole new chapter in their lives.

We’ll be sharing all the great details and the many powerful benefits of our new program over the next few weeks. But I want to start with a very small group of people over the next three months to be used as case studies and success stories. That will also mean some valuable exposure for you and your new business.

If you think you would like to be part of this, contact me so we can chat. Please, only serious inquiries. I don’t want to waste your time or mine.

I’ll explain more when we chat by phone.

Send your name, eMail address and phone number to Michael@SuccessNet.org with LIFESTYLE BIZ in the subject.

I look forward to helping you make your golden years your very BEST years.

Michael Angier

PS: As part of the “Silver Tsunami”, it’s your turn and it’s your time. You can design and create your own business that supports your lifestyle—that’s why we call it a lifestyle business.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/can-you-retire-on-1230-a-month/feed/0Let’s Write the Book on Your Businesshttp://successnet.org/blog/lets-write-the-book-on-your-business/
http://successnet.org/blog/lets-write-the-book-on-your-business/#respondMon, 25 Feb 2013 19:43:57 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/index.php/?p=782It’s important to do business fairly and ethically. We all know that—even when many other businesses don’t always operate that way. But there’s nothing wrong with having an “unfair” advantage—like having an effective tool or strategy that your competition doesn’t have. What if someone “wrote the book” on your business? A book that presented your […]

]]>It’s important to do business fairly and ethically. We all know that—even when many other businesses don’t always operate that way.

But there’s nothing wrong with having an “unfair” advantage—like having an effective tool or strategy that your competition doesn’t have.

What if someone “wrote the book” on your business? A book that presented your company in an honest, interesting and complimentary fashion. One that told the story of its founding, its growth, challenges and success. One that explained your unique selling proposition in an engaging, credible fashion.

People like to do business with people they know, like and trust. So just think about how your prospects and clients would get to know you better, understand and appreciate your corporate culture and values. Their view of you and your company will be greatly enhanced when they read the story of your commitment to quality and examples of how you deliver that quality. And they will know, like and trust you even more than they did before.

A book about you and/or your company is a highly credible way to highlight your professionalism. It’s a chance to tell your story and talk about your “special sauce.” Your book will rapidly elevate you and your business in the eyes of your prospects and customers. By doing so, you will find it easier to recruit the best staff, generate more leads, have more customers and increase sales.

We have a new program to position, research, write, edit, produce, publish, print and market your book. For about the cost of a professional brochure, you can have a short, but effective book that sells you and your company.

Go to this page if you would like to learn more and also get a no-cost, no-obligation book publishing strategy session.

]]>http://successnet.org/blog/lets-write-the-book-on-your-business/feed/0No One is Coming to the Rescuehttp://successnet.org/blog/no-one-is-coming-to-the-rescue/
http://successnet.org/blog/no-one-is-coming-to-the-rescue/#commentsMon, 22 Oct 2012 17:37:11 +0000http://successnet.org/blog/index.php/?p=688One of the underlying tenets of SuccessNet’s philosophies is that we are each one hundred percent responsible for our lives. We need to take charge of our lives. There is nothing and no one to blame for where you are. And no one is coming to the rescue. But few people operate this way. Most […]

]]>One of the underlying tenets of SuccessNet’s philosophies is that we are each one hundred percent responsible for our lives. We need to take charge of our lives. There is nothing and no one to blame for where you are. And no one is coming to the rescue.

But few people operate this way. Most just hope and wait. And hope is not a strategy.

Regardless of who gets elected president, they will not take care of you. Congress certainly won’t fix everything. And no matter what they say, they are not really looking out for you.

If you want things to change, you have to change. If you want things to get better, you have to get better.

The cavalry is not going to ride over the hill. The government is not coming to help you. And it’s highly unlikely your parents, a rich uncle or a winning lottery ticket is going to save the day.

Real independence comes from self-reliance. Real financial freedom is being confident you can always generate the income you and your family needs whenever you need it.

Far too many people spend their time and energy blaming and complaining about their lot in life.

Self-reliant people spend their time and energy getting clear on what they want and need, how to get it and what they need to do to get it.

The old adage is true: “If it’s to be it’s up to me.”

And I’m willing to bet that even God wants you to be self-reliant. Most religions believe God works through us. He doesn’t want us to be a victim or be dependent upon others. I always like what the Quakers said, “When you pray, move your feet.”

The sooner you become self-reliant and financially free, the sooner you can do great things that benefit yourself and others.

So figure out who you are. Get clear on your values. Decide on what you really want out of life. Learn what you need to learn, do what you need to do.

Just make it happen. Because no one is going to make it happen for you.

Resources . . .

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